Things to do in

Aveiro

Cruise through the city of Aveiro on a 45-minute ride onboard a traditional Moliceiro boat. Start along the Central Canal of the lagoon, the Ria de Aveiro. Traverse the center of the city, from the garden of Rossio to the old building of the Capitania of the Port of Aveiro. Follow another canal that formerly served as a waterway to the Antonio Maria Campos brick factory, where the Aveiro Cultural and Congress Center was established along with other public services. Then, cruise down Canal das Pirâmides (the pyramids canal), which was built at the beginning of the 19th century and stretches from the old fish market to the central canal. During the summer, enjoy a beautiful landscape made up of hundreds of small white pyramids of salt that represent one of the most characteristic features of this region.

Embark on an adventure and take a trip to Aveiro, which is never complete without a Moliceiro boat trip. The Moliceiro is a traditional boat that is part of the Aveiro culture, similar to a Venetian gondola. Starting from the dock of Largo do Jardim do Rossio, pass through some of the most iconic sights of the city, such as the Art Nouveau, the Aveiro salt pan, the traditional neighborhood of Beira-Mar, the Jerónimo P. Campos ceramics factory, and the Fish Market. Marvel at the breathtaking city from its channels together with a guide. Expand your knowledge about the cities history and learn some secrets of Aveiro.

Experience the beauty of Aveiro’s water channels, which are natural formations along the Portuguese coast. Traditionally connected to the river and to the sea, the city has been called the Venice of Portugal. You’ll feel the culture of this city that was once a fishing village, where residents made their living from the river, the sea, and salt production. The half-day tour begins at the fish market square, where you’ll have great views of the city center. Next you’ll head out on an hour’s cruise along the city’s beautiful water channels. Travel by a typical, yet unique boat called a moliceiro that is decorated with motifs related to the local culture. After the cruise your guide will show you the Costa Nova neighborhood that borders the sea. Admire some of the old traditional houses that are small in size, and painted in bright colors with vertical stripes.

Cross the Worlds Longest Suspension Footbridge - the Arouca 516 - and walk the Paiva Walkways, considered one of the most beautiful trails in the world (seven kilometers). Restore your energy with a delicious traditional lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at Aveiro, the so-called “Portuguese Venice” and traverse the canals on a boat trip. Wander through the old quarter to see the main Art Nouveau buildings, the fish market, and taste one of the city's delicacies, soft eggs. Last but not the least, see the famous haystacks of Costa Nova. Discover the magnificent fishing village with its wooden houses in bright striped colors.

Depart Porto and journey south to the beautiful coastal city of Aveiro on the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the historical city center to admire the bold Art Nouveau residences and charming foot bridges across the canals. Take stunning pictures of the Baroque-style cathedrals and other amazing architecture. Learn more about the history of the city and how it grew from a small fishing village to the 2nd most populous city in the Centro Region of Portugal. Hear how salt production in the salt marshes played an important role in the city's economy, from the days of the Romans. Then, climb aboard one of the traditional moliceiro boats used to collect sea grass in the lagoon. Cruise along the canals of the "Venice of Portugal" to admire the colorful fishermen's houses of Costa Nova beach and get amazing views of the landscape.

To start the tour, you will be picked up at your Central Hotel in Porto. You will then head to Aveiro (the journey takes about 45 minutes). Aveiro is a Portuguese city located in the central region of Portugal, and is considered the small Venice of Portugal. It is an important urban center, port, rail, university, and tourist attraction. Start by exploring the city of Aveiro by passing through the main buildings of Art Nouveau and local places of the city. Explore the historical center and visit the Fish Market. Enjoy a cruise for about 50 minutes in one of the typical boats of the city — a Moliceiro (traditionally used for algae harvesting) — and take a look to Aveiro Salt Ponds. After that, pass by New Coast, enjoy the typical striped houses, see the Barra lighthouse and São Jacinto dunes. Along the way, you will appreciate the stork nests you find. The second city you will visit is Coimbra. Coimbra is a city on the waterfront in central Portugal, and is the country's old capital. It houses a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra. Walk the paths with your guide to the historic center of the city. Visit important landmarks such as the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. If you select the option with monuments admission, visit the interiors of Joanina Library and the Royal Palace. At the end of the tour, the guide will drop you off again at your hotel in Porto.

Get to know Aveiro and its history on this unique tour by tuk tuk. Hop onboard the tuk tuk and then drive around the city by a guide. Hear all about the main attractions and neighborhoods, of Aveiro, and listen to fascinating stories about the city's past. Pass by some of Aveiro's most important sights, like the University of Aveiro, and the Aveiro salt pans. See some of the most picturesque buildings and canals of the city. Your guide will also share local tips and recommendations, so you have the best insider knowledge to carry on exploring after the tour ends.

Spend a day exploring the beauty of Portugal, get away from the business of Porto, and visit several townships that are lesser known to tourists. Visit the city of Aveiro, where it becomes easier to navigate by boat or “Moliceiro” along its numerous water channels. This city is called the Portuguese Venice, and there is no questions why. Its enormous natural and architectural beauty, perfectly aligned with its people, give a lively ambience, of a cheerful town where water and sea play the leading role. Much of the city is decorated in the Art Nouveau style, making it a beautiful sight to behold. Discover the charm of this delicate and seductive art period of the 20th century by taking a walking tour with a guide through the Art Nouveau route, a track created to help identifying all buildings and monuments. Visit the beach of Costa Nova and its peculiar colored stripes houses, forming an unique design in fishing houses in that area.

On this 4-hour tour you’ll leave from your hotel in Porto and head south. When you arrive in Aveiro, first off is an hour-long ride on a moliceiro, a traditional boat used to collect sea grass in the lagoon. Admire the Art Nouveau architecture, and in particular the buildings near Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square). Many of the streets near and around this square are still cobblestoned. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a taste of the famous ovos moles, a legendary Aveiro confection made with water, sugar and egg yolks. Visit the Art Nouveau Museum and the Mercado do Peixe (fish market). Continue on to the Costa Nova, a paradise that’s home to several species of birds. Visit the lighthouse and see the old colorful fishermen's houses. After the tour your driver will drop you off at your hotel or other location of your choice.

First you will visit one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, Aveiro. Discover the city's many canals and bridges as you take a ride on a Moliceiro, a small boat typical of the local area. By taking a trip on a Moliceiro you will be able to enjoy the city's beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and bridges from the water. Next, stroll through Aveiro's historic center on a walking tour. See the Convent of Santa Joana, Aveiro Cathedral, Chapel of St. Gonçalinho, and the Misericordia Church. Try the famous Ovos Moles de Aveiro, a sweet pastry typical of Aveiro. You'll then explore one of the city's must-see attractions, the Costa Nova Beach. Pose for photos in front of the beach's famous striped and colorful houses. Next, continue towards Coimbra, a city full of history and tradition, with the Mondego River passing through it. Visit the narrow and steep streets of the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal. Finally, discover the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), the riverside area, and of course the Convent of Santa Clara.